Flood protection

ABSTRACT

A flood protection system for a building employs waterproof flexible sheeting ( 26 ) of a size at least sufficient to cover a region to be protected on one or more faces of a building. The sheeting is capable of withstanding water pressure at least with a head as great as the difference in height from the lowest to the highest point of the region. The sheeting has a first side and an opposite side on the side of the sheeting opposite the first side. The first side is arranged to bear against the surface of the building at least around the periphery of the region and an opposite side. A frame of similar dimension to the sheeting is used to mount the sheeting with its first side against the face of the building. The frame co-operates with compressible sealing means ( 23, 24 ) which bear against the opposite side of the sheeting to thereby press the first side against the face of the building. Fixing means mount the frame to the surface of the building without the fixing means piercing the sealing means.

This invention relates to flood protection.

Many areas of the world are subject to periodic flooding either in flashfloods or by the slower, but equally insidious general raising of groundwater levels in wet weather. Indeed, wherever rivers form flood plains,some flooding, at least in winter in temperate regions of the world is anatural phenomenon to be expected.

In Northwest Europe, in particular, pressure on development land inrecent years has resulted in much development of housing and industrialsites on former flood plains. The land is easy to build on beinggenerally flat and therefore attractive to developers of low costhousing.

The summer, autumn and winter of the year 2000 proved unusually wet inNorthwest Europe; and the occupiers of housing and industrial sitesbuilt in recent years on former flood plains found to their dismay thatexisting river management schemes and flood barriers were inadequate.Considerable damage was done both to domestic and industrial property.

Improved river management schemes and associated flood protection worksmay help to alleviate the problem to some extent but these schemes aremajor works requiring planning approval and, often, Government finance,and therefore taking time to come to fruition.

The general belief is that the flood problem will worsen over time as aresult of the climatic changes arising in the early stages of globalwarming.

This leaves householders and the occupiers of industrial sites with apresent and pressing problem, namely how to protect their existingbuildings from anticipated further bouts of flooding, whether or notambitious future flood protection works are put in hand.

The most common means to resist flooding is the ubiquitous sand bag. Tobe effective sand bags must be placed in position as soon as there is aflood warning. Since they have to be filled and distributed from centraldepots (it is usually not practicable for individual householders tokeep their own supply of sand bags at the ready) this poses a majorlogistic problem. Inevitably some properties are left exposed.

It has also been proposed to mount boards across openings to form aflood barrier, possibly together with auxiliary sand bags. Such boardsneed a frame in which to be fitted and this must be permanently fixed inposition. The result is often unsightly in appearance and less thansatisfactory in operation.

A number of proposals for flood prevention systems for householdersappear in the Patent literature.

For example, Burel in FR 2730001 discloses the use of rigid sheet metalpanels to provide temporary flood protection employing seals between thepanel and the wall of the building. Buck in GB2360813A proposes adomestic flood barrier in which a barrier panel is designed to be fixedacross a window or the like temporarily in a watertight manner when aflood is expected. Buck employs fixing means in the form of a nutmounted in a hole in the building wall and surrounded by a watertightbushing which co-operates with a bolt which passes through his barrierpanel and an intervening sealing member. In an effort to prevent ingressof flood water through the opening through the barrier, sealing washersare provided around the bolt Farrell in GB2346405A proposes a floodprotection panel having a number of openings therethrough forco-operating fixing means adjacent a door frame and intervening sealingmeans. Farrow in GB2245297A also proposes a barrier panel to fit acrossthe lower half of a door frame of a building, the top of the barrierapparently being open. Again fixings pass through openings in thebarrier and, on some embodiments, seals may be provided along the loweredge. GfB Gesellschaft für Bauwerksabdichtungen mbH in EP0735216Apropose flexible foil panels to be hung in front of the brickwork when aflood is expected, the side edges and the lower edge of the foil panelshaving a circumferential bead-like thickening which is clamped in aframe. Scherrer in FR2763094A proposes an arrangement employing aflexible sheet across a window opening with additional support elementsand/or cabling attached to a remote anchorage to hold the sheet inposition. Threaded fastenings are used at space positions around theperiphery of the sheet and pass through openings in the sheet and in aprofiled member mounted against the sheet and are received in openingsin the wall. Red Dragon Investments in WO 02/44501 disclose a verticalroll-out arrangement Vredestein Icopro in WO 98/37278 disclose the useof a rubber or plastics seal element with two legs defining aconstriction between them. Sheeting passes around a cable snapped intothe constriction to hold it in place. von Czarnowski in DE 29919976 Udiscloses a solid snap-fit cover co-operating with a seal stuck arounddoor and window openings.

Of the arrangements referred to above which appear in the Patentliterature, some are clearly so over-engineered as to be incapable ofproduction on an economic industrial scale for use by ordinaryhouseholders and others are inadequate in their ability to withstand ananticipated flood.

A more practical flood barrier system that has been built and proven towork, at least to an extent, is proposed in Master Builder, March 2002,pp24-25. A flexible skirt mounted in a subsurface trough is pulledvertically up to surround the entire outer wall of a building. Thesystem relies upon a complete circum-extending skirt. Individualsections of skirt are joined by vertical zips, said to be ‘water-tight’,but evidently not that reliable since auxiliary pumps are proposed toremove leakage behind the skirt. The skirt is hung by a pole along itsupper edge co-operating with a cord system mounted on a permanentlyfixed horizontal bracket on the outer surface of the building.

For a flood protection system to have universal applicability, it mustbe capable of being readily manufactured in bulk; it must be capable ofbeing readily mounted and de-mounted by an ordinary householder withoutrequiring special tools; when de-mounted, there should preferably be nounsightly elements protruding from the wall; and finally, the sealbetween the flood protection system and the wall must be reliable. Wallsurfaces surrounding a window opening, for example, are rarely flat.Where brickwork is present there will be pointing between the bricks.Often this means that between each pair of bricks there is a depressionprovided by the pointing. In other arrangements, the wall surface may berendered or covered by pebbledash.

The embodiments of my system described in more detail hereinbelow can bereadily adapted for a wide range of different circumstances likely to bemet in practice by average householders.

In accordance with a first aspect of my invention, there is provided aflood protection system for a building, comprising: waterproof flexiblesheeting of a size at least sufficient to cover a region to be protectedon one or more faces of a building, the sheeting being adapted towithstand water pressure at least with a head as great as the differencein height from the lowest to the highest point of the said region, thesheeting having a first side and an opposite side on the side of thesheeting opposite the first side, the first side being arranged to bearagainst the surface of said face(s) of the building at least around theperiphery of said region; a frame of similar dimension to said sheetingand adapted to mount said sheeting with said first side against the faceof the building, the frame co-operating with compressible sealing meansadapted to bear against the opposite side of the sheeting to therebypress said first side against the face of the building; and fixing meansfor mounting the frame to the surface of the face(s) of the buildingwithout the fixing means piercing the sealing means.

Preferably, a second compressible sealing means is positioned alongsidethe first and is adapted to bear against the face of the building eitherdirectly or via the sheeting to thereby provide an auxiliary sealbetween the frame and the building at a position outwardly, relative tothe centre of the said region, of the seal provided by said firstsealing means.

The respective sealing means are selected to protrude from the frame andbe sufficiently compressible so that they accommodate the surfaceirregularities commonly found in external walls, such as pebbledash,pointing etc. Preferably the sealing means are formed with slits runningtherealong, thereby effectively providing a plurality of separatelysealing strips. Special hemispherical cavities formed in the sealingsurface may also be provided. In use these close as the sealing means iscompressed and aid in the accommodation of surface irregularities toprovide a fully effective seal.

Because the fixing means do not pierce the seals, the flexiblewaterproof sheeting can be formed without any through apertures therein.Such apertures may form points of physical weakness in the sheeting andmay also serve as points of weakness so far as ingress of water isconcerned unless steps are taken to seal the apertures. In otherarrangements, there may be apertures, preferably with strengthenededges, for the fixings to pass through, but these will be positionedoutwardly of the seal, with regard to the centre of region to beprotected. Any leakage through the apertures thus does not destroy thesealing effect.

In one arrangement described in detail below, the sheeting is shaped anddimensioned so as to allow for edge regions which may be wound at leastpartly about the first compressible sealing means with said firstcompressible sealing means bearing against the said opposite side of thesheeting.

The frame is suitably formed with a first or outer surface and a secondor inner surface provided with respective seats for the first and secondsealing means. The surface of the seat for the first sealing means orthe first sealing means itself may be provided with a light tackadhesive, preferably of the temporary hold type, facilitating themounting of the first compressible sealing means with the edge region ofthe sheeting at least partially wound thereabout in the correspondingseat of the frame. The second sealing means may be permanently adheredto its seat.

In an alternative arrangement, the first compressible sealing means maybe provided with location openings therein and the frame provided withlocation means in said seat adapted for cooperative location with thelocation openings to assist in mounting of the first compressiblesealing means, preferably with the edge region of the seating at leastpartially would thereabout in the said seat.

In the currently most preferred arrangement, the frame and sealing meanssimply bear against the opposite side of the sheeting and thereby pressthe first side thereof against the building surface. There may be innerand outer seals, as described above, both of which bear against the saidopposite side. Fixing of the frame to the building is preferably byfixing means passing through apertures in the frame and in the sheeting.The positions of such sheeting apertures, which preferably havestrengthened edges, generally lie between the inner and outer seals.

In preferred arrangements the frame is generally rectangular in form,corner regions thereof being provided with a corner sealing gasketadapted for sealing between respective regions of the frame and betweenthe frame and the respective compressible sealing means.

Preferably embodiments of flood protection system in accordance with thepresent invention are adapted to be mounted to the building surface withthe use of a fixing system which, when the flood protection system isnot in use, will be either removed and/or hidden from view.

In accordance with a second and alternative aspect of this invention,there is provided a flood protection system for a building, comprising:a plurality of fixings adapted for permanent mounting in the wall of thebuilding at spaced positions which together define a region on one ormore faces of the building to be protected, each said fixing providing asocket adapted to receive a plug or cap masking the fixing from viewwhen no flood is expected; a plurality of male fixing members adapted tobe received in respective said sockets when a flood is expected;waterproof flexible sheeting of a size at least sufficient to cover thesaid region and adapted to withstand water pressure at least with a headas great as the difference in height from the lowest to the highestpoint of the said region; a frame for sealingly mounting the saidsheeting across the said region, the frame having an underside adaptedto clamp the sheeting against the surface(s) of said face(s) by saidmale fixing members or means associated therewith with the male fixingmembers passing through apertures in the frame and being received in thesockets, the frame being dimensioned to extend generally about theentire periphery of the said region, and the said underside defining achannel running therealong; and one or more elongate compressiblemembers adapted to fill said channel and to extend from the saidunderside in its uncompressed state, whereby the said compressiblemember(s) is(are) adapted to provide a seal around the periphery of saidregion, the apertures being located at spaced positions alongside saidchannel so that said fixings do not pierce the compressible member(s).

The sheeting may have an edge region adapted to be wound at least partlyabout the member(s) providing said seal in a direction such that thesaid member(s) bear(s) against the outer surface of said sheeting whenthe frame is clamped against the surface(s) of said face(s).

Preferably, said underside defines two generally parallel channelsrunning therealong, with said apertures located between said channels atspaced positions; and respective elongate compressible members areadapted to fill the two said channels and to extend from the saidunderside in their uncompressed state, whereby the said compressiblemembers are adapted to provide respective inner and outer seals for thesaid region. In arrangements in which the edge region of the sheeting iswound as described above, it will be wound at least partly about themember(s) providing said inner seal.

I have designed a particular fixing and fixing member combination forthis purpose and believed novel in its own right.

As described in more detail below, a fixing for permanent mounting in asupport such as the face of a building comprises a threaded memberprovided with a head including an internally threaded socket, the fixingbeing adapted to be threadedly inserted until the socket head issubstantially flush with the face of the support into which the fixingis inserted so that no part of the fixing protrudes from the saidsurface, the threaded socket being adapted to receive either acooperating threaded member or a masking plug or cap, selected fromthreaded plugs and caps and push-fix plugs and caps, to mask the fixingfrom view.

The aforesaid fixing is suitably arranged to receive a double-ended malefixing member, the said member having a first end which is threaded anda second end opposite to the first, which is also threaded, the firstend and the second end being separated by a collar. For use with theaforementioned fixing, the length of the first threaded end is the sameas or less than the length of the internally threaded socket of thefixing, both the internal socket and the first end being formed withco-operating screw threads. This enables the fixing member to be used toscrew the fixing into the support and then to be removed so that thesocket may be plugged by the aforementioned masking plug or cap, in onesituation, or for the fixing member to be mounted in the said socketwith the said socket mounted in the supporting surface, in analternative situation, to enable other means, such as the frame of anembodiment of flood protection system in accordance with the presentinvention, to be mounted on the other end of the male fixing member.

The first and second compressible sealing means are suitably formed ofelongate lengths of foam plastics material. The foam may itself possesslow tack, enabling it to be stuck in position but also be de-mountableto enable it to be stored for re-use. In alternative arrangements thefoam may be provided with a magnetic surface or may incorporate amagnetic material in the foam, so as to aid location of the foam inseats defined in the frame if the frame is also magnetic. As notedabove, the second compressible sealing means may be permanently adheredin position in its seat. This may be achieved by supplying this sealingmeans in a roll with adhesive applied but covered by a removable backingstrip, which is simply removed to fit the sealing means into the frame.

Water will always find its own level. Accordingly, if any passage,however small, is left on the exterior of the building, and water canreach it, then the water will eventually reach the interior of thebuilding. Preferably, therefore, separate embodiments of floodprotection system should be provided for every aperture on the exteriorof the building that may be exposed to water. This will include not onlythe obvious apertures such as doors and windows, but also ventilationbricks and the like. Alternatively, a single embodiment of floodprotection system can cover more than one opening.

The invention is hereinafter more particularly described by way ofexample only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:—

FIG. 1 is a generally schematic view illustrating a region of a buildingto be protected from flood;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of a fixing for insertion inthe face of a building;

FIG. 3 is an end elevation of the fixing of FIG. 2 taken from the leftin FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a male fixing member adapted toco-operate with the fixing of FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 5 is an end elevation of the male fixing member of FIG. 4 takenfrom the left in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a section of frame;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view through an embodiment of flood protectionsystem according to the present invention using the frame of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are views similar to FIG. 7 for two alternativeembodiments;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a corner gasket for sealing sections offrame;

FIG. 11 is an elevational view of the gasket of FIG. 10 as seen from theright in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is partial plan view of a frame showing the co-operation betweentwo mitred frame sections and the gasket of FIGS. 10 and 11; and

FIG. 13 is an enlarged sectional view through another embodiment offlood protection system according to the present invention.

Referring first to the generally schematic view of FIG. 1, a pluralityof fixings 1 are provided at spaced positions in the face 2 of abuilding 3 for mounting a flood protection system designed to protect anopening 4 in the face of the building, typically a door or a window. Thefixings are suitably equally spaced along each side of the opening.Other openings such as ventilation bricks should receive similartreatment.

My preferred embodiment of fixing is illustrated on an enlarged scale inFIGS. 2 and 3. Fixing 1 is provided with a head 5 and a threaded shank6. Head 5 has an internally threaded socket 7. Fixing 1 is designed forpermanent fixture in the face of the building, for example by drilling ahole with a diameter of the order of the cross section of head 5,filling it with filler or other fixing arrangements for screws such asthose sold under the Registered Trademark Rawlplug®. Fixing 1 mayconveniently be manufactured simply by soldering an hexagonal nut (toform the head 5) to the head of a conventional wood screw (forming theshank 6) by the use of silver solder. Alternatively, it could be formedin one piece or alternatively of two pieces brazed together. Because thefixing is permanently mounted into the wall so that its end face 8 isessentially flush with the wall surface, its socket opening 7 is adaptedto receive a plug or cap which, if given the same colouration as thewall surface, will render the fixings essentially hidden until requiredto mount the flood protection system, as explained in detail below. Theplug or cap should have a diameter at least as great as that of head 5and may be formed with a thread receivable in threaded socket 7 or maysimply form a press-fit therein.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a double-ended male fixing member 9 adapted forco-operation with fixing 1. Fixing member 9 has a first threaded end 10adapted to be threadedly received in socket 7. Length L1 of end 10 isaccordingly the same as or slightly less than the length of socket 7.The other end 11 of fixing member 9 has a greater length L2 and isseparated from first end 10 by a collar 12. Fixing 1 may be screwed intothe wall 2 initially by the use of a spanner or the like co-operatingwith its hexagonal head 5 and finally positioned by inserting threadedend 10 and then using the fixing member 9 to finally screw fixing 1 intoposition. To aid in this, distal end 13 of the longer end 11 is formedwith an hexagonal socket 14 adapted to receive an appropriate tool suchas an Allen tool to aid in turning it and the fixing 1. Fixing 1 issuitably made of mild steel, for example EN1A mild steel. Because fixingmember 9 is likely to be exposed to water in a flood, it is moresuitably made of stainless steel, for example 303 stainless steel.

With male fixing members 9 screwed into position on the permanentlymounted fixings 1 about opening 4, preferably with an intervening washerbetween collar 12 and head 5, the longer ends 11 of male fixing member 9protrude outwardly from the wall and are used to locate a framedimensioned to extend around the opening 4 and to clamp waterproofflexible sheeting across the opening and against the surface of thewall.

A section of a suitable frame is illustrated in FIG. 6. Frame 14 may beformed from a pressed metal section 15 to which a top bracing plate 16is spot welded at staggered locations 17 along the length of the bracingplate. As will be seen from FIG. 5, pressed metal section 15 effectivelydefines two parallel seats 18 and 19 extending therealong on itsunderside 20.

Both seats 18 and 19 are here shown with a semi-circular cross-sectionbut other configurations are feasible including a trapezoidal orfrusto-conical section. For location on threaded ends 11 of the fixingmembers 9, both the metal section in its central flat portion 21, andthe bracing plate 16 are formed with aligned holes 22.

Seats 18 and 19 are adapted to receive elongate compressible sealingmeans adapted to seal the plate against the waterproof flexible sheetingor the wall surface, respectively, as best shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 shows a first elongate compressible member 23 seated in outerseat 18 of the frame 14 and a second elongate compressible sealingmember 24 seated in the inner seat 19. In the arrangement illustrated,an edge region 25 of a waterproof flexible sheet 26 is wound at least inpart around compressible sealing member 24, as shown in FIG. 7 beforethis sealing member is pushed into its seat. To allow for this, eitherthe inner seat 19 must be slightly larger than the outer seat 18 or theinner sealing member 24 must be slightly smaller than the outer sealingmember 23, but in either case, it is important that edge region 25 ofwaterproof flexible sheet 26 is wound about sealing member 24 in thedirection shown, so that the sealing member sealingly presses againstthe outer surface of the waterproof sheet to clamp the sheet against theconfronting surface of the wall. FIG. 7 shows a typical section for thepreferred sealing members. It will be seen that there are two slits 27in each sealing member. When the sealing member is clamped against theconfronting brickwork or the like, for example by a wing nut (not shown)screwed on to the end of the protruding outer end 11 of fixing member 9which extends through the aligned holes 22, the confronting surface ofeach sealing member against the wall or against the waterproof sheetingis deformed so that both the surface of its central section 28 andsections 29 outwardly of the slits 27 are pressed against theconfronting surface, thereby providing three separate sealing sectionsagainst ingress of water. Accordingly, even if one should fail or leakslightly, the others may hold back the water. In the preferred profile,as shown in FIG. 7, the surface of the sealing members confronting thewall or the waterproof flexible sheet have spaced small hemisphericalcavities 30 at spaced intervals along the sealing member. These provideadditional grip and suction on the confronting surface and help to makeup for irregularities in the confronting surface, all of which aids inreliable sealing against ingress of flood.

In an alternative arrangement, the first or inner seal may be formedwith a series of such elongate slits 27 at positions about its entirecircumference.

As will be appreciated from a consideration of the geometry of FIG. 7,waterproof flexible sheeting 26 is wound about sealing member 24 in away which would be self-tightening in operation. When exposed to floodwater, the water will try to enter into the space between the seal andthe sheet in the direction of the arrow 31 in FIG. 7, and the net effectof this will be to further press the waterproof flexible sheetingagainst the confronting surface of the wall.

The compressible sealing members 23 and 24 may be formed of rubber,neoprene or a mixture thereof, and suitable lengths of such material arereadily available, for example from Trelleborg of Sutton Coldfield, WestMidlands. A particularly preferred material, in the form of animpregnated foam sealing material is sold under the TrademarkCompriband® by Compriband Limited of Washington, Tyne-and-Wear, NE373JD. The sealing members 23 and 24 may suitably be provided with alow-tack adhesive to aid in location in their seats and with thewaterproof flexible sheeting. Alternatively, the surface of the seats 18and 19 may be provided with a low tack adhesive. FIG. 8 shows analternative arrangement for locating the sealing members in their seatsby providing projections 32 in the seats and corresponding locationapertures 33 in the sealing members. FIG. 9 shows another alternativelocation system. Here the seals are provided at spaced intervals withthrough holes 34 in which are received screws 35 which mount the sealingmembers in position in the seats with co-operating washers 36 and nuts37. When the sealing member is pressed against the confronting surfaceof the wall or the waterproof flexible sheeting, the through hole iseffectively closed. In this latter arrangement, the edge region of thewaterproof sheeting must be provided with notches or through openingsfor accommodating the shafts of screws 35, or else the edge region mustbe only partially wound about member 24 ending just short of the shaftof screw 35.

It will be appreciated that in the FIG. 9 arrangement, even though theseals are pierced by screws 35, these are not the “fuing” for fixing theframe and sheeting across the building opening being protected. As inall other arrangements in accordance with this invention, the fixings donot pierce the seal. This is important, because it is through suchopenings that any leakage would primarily take place. Even if there weresome leakage through the openings in the seal accommodating the screws35, this is to the reverse (or opposite) side of the sheeting, and—ifanything—assists rather than destroys the seal of the sheeting againstthe building.

The second seal need not always have the slits 27. It may also bepermanently adhered to its seat. With this arrangement, the first orinner seal can readily be manipulated into position into its seat withthe edge of the waterproof sheet at least partially wound about thesealing member and without any tack, adhesive or other locating means,if the frame and fixings are loosely fitted to the building.

Waterproof flexible sheeting 26 must be sufficiently waterproof andsufficiently strong to meet the requirements both for naturalwear-and-tear and the pressure that may be expected to bear against thesheet in a typical flood. Current indications are that in the region of90% of flood entry/damage to dwellings occurs below first floor level.In other words, provision of flood protection systems in accordance withthe present invention to all the openings (windows, doors and vents)below first floor level, coupled with appropriate flood-protectionback-pressure valves in the drainage system will prevent almost all thedamage caused by a typical flood.

Sheeting 26 should at least be capable of withstanding water pressurewith a head as great as the difference in height from the lowest to thehighest point of the region of the building being protected and, morepreferably, at least the hydrostatic pressure provided by a head of 3metres of water.

Sheeting that will meet these requirements is readily availablecommercially. For example, waterproof overlay protective sheeting of0.75 mm thickness is readily available in various sizes to suit thoseregions of the building requiring flood protection. Such materialconsists of low density polyethylene sheet with reinforcing scrim. Onesuch material is sold under the Trademark “Gridline 750” available fromMonarflex of Lyon Way, St. Albans, Herts, AL4 0LB. They can providesheet widths between 1.2 metres and 2.0 metres and then increasing in200 mm increments to 4.0 metres.

In some cases, the waterproof flexible sheeting may be permanentlymounted to the frame. Even though this arrangement does not have theadvantage of the fully demountable arrangement that a householder cansimply roll up the flexible sheeting for storage when no flood isexpected, it will still be significantly lighter than would anarrangement employing rigid flood barriers. Sheeting is also adaptableto protect more complicated structures such as a curved or bay window,provided that the periphery of the region to be protected hasappropriate permanent fixings as described above together withappropriately dimensioned frame and compressible means forming theseals.

Particular attention must be given to corner joints in the frame asthese potentially provide a source of weakness for the ingress of floodwater.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show an embodiment of corner sealing gasket 38 suitablefor sealing mitred joints of two lengths of frame as best shown in FIG.12 (in which the top bracing plate 16 of one of the frame sections isomitted for clarity).

Gasket 38 is suitably moulded from rubber, neoprene or a mixture and isadapted to fit on the underside of the respective mitred sections 39 and40 of frame. To this end gasket 38 has flat centre sections 41dimensioned to fit under central flat portions 21 of the respectiveframe sections 39 and 40. Gasket 38 also has elongate rounded sections42 and 43 dimensioned to fit within respective seats 18 and 19 of thetwo frame sections 39 and 40. At the position of the confronting mitredends, gasket 38 is provided with a flange 44 that serves to seal thebutted mitred ends of the frame sections 39 and 40. Because the gasketis made of a compressible material, when the frame sections are buttedas shown in FIG. 12 and then screwed into place using the location holes22, which are located on longer ends 11 of respective fixing members 9,the gasket flange 44 accommodates any tolerances, misalignments, etc.

My initial practical arrangements, as described in detail above,contemplated winding of the sheeting edge partially about the innerseal, but I have since found, from long-term tests on a test rig inwhich the installation may be put under pressure to simulate thehydrostatic head and momentum of water that will occur in a real flood,that this is not necessary and that good results with no effectiveleakage can be achieved with the sheeting simply placed flat across awindow or door opening with a first side of the sheeting pressed againstthe building surface and the frame placed against the opposite orreverse side of the sheeting.

With this arrangement, the frame may be formed from four extrudedsections joined at the corners to make a solid frame, and with thesealing means permanently mounted in channels on the underside of theframe. If the sealing means are each formed as a continuous loop, theymay be stretched slightly to fill the channels around all four sides ofthe frame, and being formed of flexible material will pass around thecorners. This is advantageous, since the additional corner sealingstructures described above with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 may not thenbe necessary.

Preferably, in this arrangement, there are parallel inner and outerseals, and the positions of the fixing means for fixing the frame to thebuilding surface with the sheeting therebetween lie between the twoseals. Unless only the inner seal presses against the reverse oropposite side of the sheeting, this means that the sheeting must haveapertures at the positions of the fixings. These apertures preferablyhave strengthening metal or plastics rivets to prevent weakening in thesheeting. It will be appreciated that even if there is any leakagethrough these apertures, this leakage would be on the radially outerside of the primary seal (with respect to the centre of the window ordoor opening being protected) and so will not provide leakage into thewindow or door opening. The use of the second or outer seal, althoughradially outward of the positions of the fixings and of the sheetingapertures (with regard to the centre of the window or door opening beingprotected), assists in mounting of the frame against the sheeting andprovides at least some auxiliary sealing radially outward of the primaryseal.

This arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 13. Frame 14 in this embodimentis extruded from aluminium or an alloy thereof. The advantage ofaluminum for this purpose is the ease with which it can be extrudedcoupled with its combination of light weight and strength. Thus each ofthe four sides of frame 14 can readily be formed as a one piece byextrusion. Alternatively, the whole frame may be formed from a singleextruded section, with parts then being cut away so that the extrusioncan be bent to form three corners, the two ends of the extrusion and cutedges at the three bent corners then being welded to form an integralfour-sided frame.

I have found that use of the particular cross-sectional profile shown inFIG. 13 for the frame section extrusion is to be preferred over thesimple pressed metal frame sections of the arrangements of FIGS. 6 to12. When the fixing means are tightened in an arrangement using theprofile of FIG. 13, the pressure of the sealing means against thesheeting, and hence of the sheeting against the confronting wallsurface, is increased more rapidly and in a more predictable manner thanwhen using the frame sections of the FIGS. 6 to 12 arrangements. Thoughlighter in weight than the steel frame sections of FIGS. 6 to 12, thealuminium frame section of FIG. 13 is more rigid.

Although all the arrangements described in detail hereinabove have twochannels on the underside of the frame and two parallel seals, in somecases, a single seal may suffice. Either the same frame may be employed,but only with the inner or first seal present, or, alternatively, aframe with only a single seat for a single seal may be provided. In thislatter case, the positions for the apertures in the frame for thefixings should be alongside the single channel so that the fixings donot pierce the seal.

In all cases of use of an embodiment of flood protection system inaccordance with the present invention to protect a window, considerationshould be given to the ability of the window itself to bear the pressureof a head of water, even when—to some extent—this is distributed overthe area of the window via the protective waterproof sheet this sheet issuitably reinforced, but even so, in the case of older windows (modernsealed double-glazed units have substantially greater strength),especially those with small panes or that are leaded, an auxiliary means(for example a board or sheet formed of a suitable material such asplywood) will be useful in distributing the pressure across the windowand/or in providing additional strengthening protection.

1. A flood protection system for a building, comprising: the building;waterproof flexible sheeting of a size at least sufficient to cover aregion to be protected on one or more faces of the building, thesheeting being adapted to withstand water pressure at least with a headas great as the difference in height from the lowest to the highestpoint of the said region, the sheeting having a first side and anopposite side on the side of the sheeting opposite the first side, thefirst side being arranged to bear against the surface of said one ormore faces of the building at least around the periphery of said region;a frame of similar dimension to said sheeting and adapted to mount saidsheeting with said first side of said sheeting against the face of thebuilding; compressible sealing means; the frame co-operating with saidcompressible sealing means, said compressible sealing means beingadapted to bear against the opposite side of the sheeting to therebypress said first side against the face of the building; and fixing meansadapted to allow fixing of the frame to the surface of the one or morefaces of the building when a flood is threatened to cause thecompressible sealing means to bear against the said opposite side of thesheeting without the fixing means piercing the sealing means; the fixingmeans being uncovered by the sheeting and accessible when the frame,compressible sealing means and sheeting are fixed to the one or morefaces of the building to allow subsequent removal of said sheeting,frame and compressible sealing means from the one or more faces of thebuilding when the threat of flood has passed.
 2. A flood protectionsystem according to claim 1, wherein a second compressible sealing meansis positioned alongside the first mentioned said sealing means and isadapted to co-operate with the frame to bear directly against the faceof the building to thereby provide an auxiliary seal between the frameand the building at a position outwardly relative to the periphery ofthe said region.
 3. A flood protection system according to claim 1,wherein the sheeting is shaped and dimensioned to allow for edge regionsthereof that are adapted to be at least partly wound about the firstsealing means with said sealing means bearing against said oppositeside.
 4. A flood protection system according to claim 1, wherein asecond compressible sealing means is positioned alongside the firstmentioned said sealing means and is adapted to co-operate with the frameto bear against the face of the building via the sheeting to therebyprovide an auxiliary seal between the frame and the sheeting and betweenthe sheeting and the building at a position outwardly of said firstsealing means relative to the centre of said region.
 5. A floodprotection system according to claim 2, wherein at least one of thefirst and second sealing means is provided with slits runningtherealong, thereby effectively dividing the sealing means into separateparallel sealing strips, each presenting a sealing edge to waterattempting to circumvent the seal in a flood.
 6. A flood protectionsystem according to claim 2, wherein the sealing surface of at least oneof the first and second sealing means defines generally hemisphericalcavities therein, said cavities being adapted to close as the sealingmeans is compressed, thereby aiding in the accommodation of surfaceirregularities in the confronting surface of the building.
 7. A floodprotection system according to claim 4, wherein at least one of thefirst and second sealing means is provided with slits runningtherealong, thereby effectively dividing the sealing means into separateparallel sealing strips, each presenting a sealing edge to waterattempting to circumvent the seal in a flood.
 8. A flood protectionsystem according to claim 4, wherein the sealing surface of at least oneof the first and second sealing means defines generally hemisphericalcavities therein, said cavities being adapted to close as the sealingmeans is compressed, thereby aiding in the accommodation of surfaceirregularities in the confronting surface of the building.
 9. A floodprotection system according to claim 1, wherein the frame has a firstsurface and a second surface on the side thereof opposite the firstsurface, the second surface being provided with a seat for the sealingmeans.
 10. A flood protection system according to claim 2, wherein theframe has a first surface and a second surface on the side thereofopposite the first surface, the second surface being provided withrespective seats for the first and second sealing means.
 11. A floodprotection system according to claim 10, wherein either the surface ofthe seat for one or each sealing means or the sealing means itself isprovided with a temporary hold type adhesive to facilitate mounting ofone or each said sealing means in the respective seat or seats for saidone or each sealing means.
 12. A flood protection system according toclaim 10, wherein the second sealing means is permanently adhered to therespective seat for said sealing means.
 13. A flood protection systemaccording to claim 10, wherein the frame is formed of a magneticmaterial, and at least one of the first and second sealing means isformed with magnetic inclusions, to facilitate mounting thereof in therespective seat or seats for said at least one sealing means.
 14. Aflood protection system according to claim 10, wherein at least one ofthe first and second sealing means is provided with location openingsand the frame is provided with corresponding location means adapted forco-operative location with the location openings.
 15. A flood protectionsystem according to claim 4, wherein the frame has a first surface and asecond surface on the side thereof opposite the first surface, thesecond surface being provided with respective seats for the first andsecond sealing means.
 16. A flood protection system according to claim15, wherein either the surface of the seat for one or each sealing meansor the sealing means itself is provided with a temporary hold typeadhesive to facilitate mounting of one or each said sealing means in therespective seat or seats for said one or each said sealing means.
 17. Aflood protection system according to claim 15, wherein the secondsealing means is permanently adhered to the respective seat for saidsealing means.
 18. A flood protection system according to claim 15,wherein the frame is formed of a magnetic material, and at least one ofthe first and second sealing means is formed with magnetic inclusions,to facilitate mounting thereof in the respective seat or seats for saidat least one sealing means.
 19. A flood protection system according toclaim 15, wherein at least one of the first and second sealing means isprovided with location openings and the frame is provided withcorresponding location means adapted for co-operative location with thelocation openings.
 20. A flood protection system according to claim 1,wherein the frame is generally rectangular in form and formed ofseparate frame sections for each side, corner regions of the frame wherethe frame sections butt being provided with corner sealing gasketsadapted to seal between said frame sections and between the framesections and the sealing means.
 21. A flood protection system accordingto claim 9, wherein the frame is generally rectangular in form andformed from an extrusion, the sealing means forming an endless loopstretched from its natural state to be mounted in said seat.
 22. A floodprotection system for a building, comprising: the building; a pluralityof fixings permanently mounted in the wall of the building at spacedpositions which together define a region on one or more faces of thebuilding to be protected, each said fixing providing a socket adapted toreceive a plug or cap masking the fixing from view when no flood isexpected; a plurality of male fixing members adapted to be received inrespective said sockets when a flood is expected; waterproof flexiblesheeting of a size at least sufficient to cover the said region andadapted to withstand water pressure at least with a head as great as thedifference in height from the lowest to the highest point of the saidregion; a frame for sealingly mounting the said sheeting across the saidregion, the frame having an underside adapted to clamp the sheetingagainst the surface of said one or more surfaces by utilizing said malefixing members with the male fixing members passing through apertures inthe frame and being received in the sockets, the frame being dimensionedto extend generally about the entire periphery of the said region, andthe said underside defining a channel running therealong; and one ormore elongate compressible members adapted to fill said channel and toextend from the said underside in its uncompressed state, whereby thesaid compressible member are adapted to provide a seal around theperiphery of said region, the apertures being located at spacedpositions alongside said channel so that said fixings do not pierce thecompressible members; the male fixing members being uncovered by thesheeting and accessible when the frame, compressible sealing means andsheeting are fixed to the one or more faces of the building for removalof the male fixing members from said sockets when a threat of flood haspassed to release said sheeting, frame and one or more compressiblemembers from the one or more faces of the building.
 23. A floodprotection system according to claim 22, wherein the sheeting has anedge region adapted to be wound at least partly about the one or moremembers providing said seal in a direction such that the said memberbears against the outer surface of said sheeting when the frame isclamped against the surfaces of said one or more faces.
 24. A floodprotection system according to claim 22, wherein said underside definestwo generally parallel channels running therealong, with said apertureslocated between said channels at spaced positions; and respectiveelongate compressible members are adapted to fill the two said channelsand to extend from the said underside in their uncompressed state,whereby the said compressible members are adapted to provide respectiveinner and outer seals for the said region.
 25. A flood protection systemaccording to claim 23, wherein said underside defines two generallyparallel channels running therealong, with said apertures locatedbetween said channels at spaced positions; and respective elongatecompressible members are adapted to fill the two said channels and toextend from the said underside in their uncompressed state, whereby thesaid compressible members are adapted to provide respective inner andouter seals for the said region; the edge region of the sheeting beingadapted to be wound at least partly about the one or more membersproviding said inner seal.
 26. A flood protection system according toany of claims 22, wherein each said fixing comprises a threaded memberprovided with a head including an internally threaded socket, the fixingbeing adapted to be threadedly inserted until the socket head issubstantially flush with the face of building so that no part of thefixing protrudes from the said face, and the threaded socket beingadapted to threadedly receive a co-operating said male fixing member,and also being adapted in the alternative to receive a masking plug orcap, selected from threaded plugs and caps and push-fix plugs and caps,to mask the fixing from view.
 27. A flood protection system according toclaim 26, wherein the male fixing member is double-ended; the saidmember having a first end which is threaded and a second end, oppositeto the first, which is also threaded, the first end and the second endbeing separated by a collar, the length of the first end being the sameas or less than the length of the internally threaded socket of thefixing, and the internally threaded socket and the first end beingformed with co-operating screw threads; the frame being arranged to bemounted on said second ends and held in position by said second endspassing through said apertures in the frame and co-operating with a nut.